11 Best Athlete’s Foot Creams That Are Antifungal – 2024
The most soothing and comforting formulations to treat this painful foot condition.
Dr. Mathew M. John is a podiatrist with more than two decades of professional experience. He is currently the Medical Director of the Atlanta Center for Foot & Ankle Surgery in Sandy Springs and a published medical journal author. Dr. John is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Read full bio of Dr. Mathew M. John
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that can be off-putting. It is also known as tinea pedis in the medical community, and it is caused by a fungal infection that can cover your foot with rashes and make it swell. As it is painful and serious sometimes, the quickest and safest way to treat this challenging task is to use the best athlete’s foot cream.
Athlete’s foot is highly infectious, and it can be contracted from the swimming pool, gyms, and any moist place that allows the fungus to thrive. Yup, your sweaty shoes in sneakers are the perfect breeding ground for the fungus to grow! It is highly recommended that you maintain proper foot hygiene, clean your feet, and let them dry out to avoid this infection. But if the infection develops and causes serious pain, consult a doctor to get a prescription strength athlete’s foot cream to get rid of the fungus swiftly and efficiently. Here is our list of the top athlete’s foot creams you can purchase online. Scroll down to check them out!
In This Article
What Is An Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a skin condition associated with fungal infection. It begins between the toes and turns into a scaly rash causing burning and itching. In many cases, it can also be present without these symptoms. In severe cases, the problem is accompanied by blisters or ulcers between the toes. There is another form of this foot infection called moccasin that usually involves dryness and scaling of the soles. People who have sweaty feet are susceptible to this infection. The condition is contagious and should be treated as soon as possible. Other than this, coming into contact with contaminated surfaces like shoes, and towels can also cause athlete’s foot.
11 Best Athlete’s Foot Cream To Treat Dry, Itchy Skin In 2024
1. Best Non-Greasy:Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Foot Cream
With butenafine hydrochloride 1% as its active ingredient, the Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Foot Cream is one of the strongest antifungal creams available in the market. It starts showing results from day one and offers relief from initial itching, redness, peeling skin, and cracking of skin. Other than the athlete’s feet, it also helps you get relief from other infections like ringworm, dermatitis, and jock itch. Lotrimin athlete’s foot cream is clinically-proven, easy to apply, and must be applied twice daily between the toes.
- Non-greasy
- Odorless
- Non-staining
- Cures scaling
- May not be safe for children under 12 years
2. Best Latex-Free:McKesson Antifungal Cream
The McKesson Antifungal Cream offers effective relief from athlete’s foot and other infections, including jock itch and ringworm. It relieves itching, discomfort, soreness, and redness in the affected area over a period of time. The formula contains 2% miconazole nitrate without any natural rubber latex. For the best effective results, apply the McKesson cream twice daily after thoroughly cleaning the affected area and air drying it.
- Rubber latex-free
- Easy to apply
- Value for money
- Not for children under 2 years of age
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,922 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
3. Best For All Skin Types:Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm
Itchy, cracked skin infections can cause dreading discomfort. Soothing dry skin and healing an athlete’s foot simultaneously is the solution we all look for. This Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm is a potential formula enriched with essential oils and other organic, natural ingredients to reduce your athlete’s foot symptoms like dryness, redness, flakes, rashes, inflammation, etc. Tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender deeply cleanse the skin, soothe it, and moisturize it, leaving it itch-free, supple, and healthy. It is also effective at eliminating odor. With no harsh chemicals, it is suitable for all skin types and conditions. Also, testing by many reviewers revealed the product’s effectiveness, leading to favorable reviews.
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for various skin types and conditions
- Strong smell
CautionThis product contains tea tree and eucalyptus oil and is for external use only. Avoid contact with sensitive areas such as the eyes, mouth, and nose. If you are pregnant with existing skin conditions, or under medication, consult your doctor before use.
Change conclusion before “How To Choose An Athlete’s Foot Cream?” – Now that we’ve taken a look at the 11 best athlete’s foot creams available in the market in 2024, it’s time to take a quick look at this buying guide to make an informed choice.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 3,883 great reviews on Amazon.
Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Foot Cream Best Non-Greasy | McKesson Antifungal Cream Best Latex-Free | Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm Best For All Skin Types | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.07 Pounds | 0.01 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | 5 x 1.65 x 2.5 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | - | 2 Ounces |
| Package Dimensions | - | 6.42 x 4.76 x 1.65 inches; 0.01 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | - | 4.25 x 3.06 x 2.83 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,070 | 4,922 | 3,883 |
| Price | $14.49 | $9.49 | $24.99 |
4. Best For Sensitive Skin:Bioveco Antifungal Cream
Are you someone who is always looking for products with natural ingredients for all your body issues? If yes, this is one of the most powerful natural athlete’s foot creams that you need to give a try. It contains aloe vera, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, grapefruit seed extract, and licorice extract that counter fungus and keep your feet squeaky clean. The cream serves as a mild skin treatment that is nourishing and soothing. The Bioveco Antifungal Cream exhibits antimicrobial properties thus acting on the fungus and providing relief from any sort of cracking, itching, or scaliness. It has no side effects and is suitable for all types of skin.
- Organic ingredients
- Non-greasy texture
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Needs to be applied frequently
5. Best Natural:Emuaid Homeopathic Medicine Ointment
Emuaid brings to you the ideal homeopathic ointment that offers quick and effective results. It is a cream that penetrates your nails and skin deeply, forcing bacteria and infections to leave your skin, while calming inflammation and redness. Thus, it offers soothing relief from both the symptoms and the main fungal infection. It contains tea tree oil, vitamin E, and bacillus ferment that is highly effective at fighting infections. Since the product shows no harmful side effects, it is considered one of the best athlete’s foot treatments. Also, after testing, reviewers shared their experiences with positive reviews.
- Contains plant-based oils
- No side effects
- Powerful healing ingredients
- Safe and natural homeopathic formula
- May not show results instantly
Did You Know?To prevent athlete’s foot and keep feet free from fungi, thoroughly dry them with a hairdryer after bathing and follow up with talcum powder. Wear socks that support moisture control, such as wool, bamboo, or tech socks. Change them once a day and consider wearing open shoes or sandals in warm weather.
6. Best Odor-Control:LOVE, LORI Foot Finish Foot Repair Cream
A strong formula that helps you get rid of athlete’s foot fast is something we all look for. This foot finish ointments is one such formula. It is one of the best antifungal creams for athlete’s foot that fights fungus and accelerates the healing process and also takes care of common bacterial infections. The cream is formulated with a blend of essential oils like tea tree oil, rose oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil that beat the fungus naturally. Tea tree oil helps fight infections, lavender oil soothes irritations, eucalyptus oil and rose oil works as natural antiseptics. Altogether, these ingredients help in relieving pain and eliminating foot odor. Numerous reviewers have tested the product and have provided positive reviews.
- Soothes discomfort
- Natural antiseptic
- Fast-acting formula
- Refreshes feet
- Moisturizing ingredients
- May not be ideal for all types of fungal issues
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 642 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
7. Best Against Toenail Fungus:Viking Revolution Tea Tree Balm
Made with organic ingredients, this tea tree balm is an all-natural formula for combating infectious athlete’s foot. It contains tea tree oil that moisturizes the skin and helps treat toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. The formula is ideal for preventing numerous fungal infections. Other ingredients of this unique formula include vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, glycerine, and olive oil that keep the skin fresh. Jojoba oil is immensely moisturizing and aloe vera softens the dry scales on the skin. Tea tree oil also helps in reducing fungal infections and reducing skin irritations.
- Tackles foot odor
- Quick action
- Nourishes the skin
- Hydrates damaged skin
- Some may find the scent slightly overpowering
8. Best Odorless Cream:Tinactin Antifungal Athlete’s Foot Cream
If you are looking for the best topical treatment for an athlete’s foot with no irritation or burning sensation, use this Tinactin Antifungal Athlete’s Foot Cream. It moisturizes and heals your feet, leaving them soft, smooth, and irritation-free. It consists of 1% tolnaftate, clinically proven to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal issues. It also eliminates skin itchiness, dryness, and scaling. Use it as often as you like without fearing any adverse effects.
- Easy to use
- Non-staining
- Tackles skin irritations
- Odorless
- Not easily absorbed
9. Best Against Itching:RITE AID Clotrimazole Anti-fungal Cream
Get relief from athlete’s foot with the RITE AID Clotrimazole Antifungal Cream. The cream takes care of your fungal infection with 1 oz of clotrimazole cream. It gives immense relief from multiple symptoms, including burning, itching, and redness, without leaving any greasy residue. Apply a thin layer of the antifungal and anti-itch cream over the affected area and effectively treat athlete’s foot, itchy feet, jock itch, and ringworms.
- Multi-symptom relief
- Quick results
- Non-greasy
- Not for nails
10. Best Vegan Formula:MAJESTIC PURE COSMECEUTICALS Athlete’s Foot Cream
The high-quality and 100% natural MAJESTIC PURE COSMECEUTICALS Athlete’s Foot Cream treats the fungal infection over a period of time. The natural formula is made with a blend of tea tree oil, aloe vera extract, menthol, and spearmint oil. It promotes skin moisturization and rejuvenation and can be used as a massage cream as well. The anti-inflammatory properties of the product soothe skin irritation, offering a refreshing feeling.
- 100% natural
- Vegan
- Chemical-free
- Anti-inflammatory
- Refreshing fragrance
None
11. Best Lightweight:Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Cream
This is a unique blend of tea tree oil, peppermint oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. It helps you get rid of fungal infections like athlete’s foot and also tackles skin irritations effectively. The cream soothes damaged skin and heals blisters, sores, or split skin. The tea tree and peppermint oil eliminates sweating, foot odor, and reduces fungal infections. Aloe vera in the formula keeps the skin soft and nourished, while vitamin E improves the quality of the skin. It also helps in making the feet free of any sort of dryness or itchiness.
- Quick results
- Gentle formula
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Some may find the smell slightly unpleasant
Now that we’ve taken a look at the 10 best athlete’s foot creams available in the market in 2024, it’s time to take a quick look at this buying guide to make an informed choice.
How To Choose An Athlete’s Foot Cream?
- Formula
Always look for the product that suits your infection appropriately and is clinically-tested to provide visible results. For example, if your infection is severe, choose powders that can keep your feet dry for longer durations. Creams on the other hand relieve symptoms immediately and can be easily absorbed in the skin. Such products are useful when applied before going to bed. So, keep these points in mind before choosing athlete’s foot cream so as to suit them as per your schedule.
- Ingredients
Ingredients like terbinafine hydrochloride, clotrimazole, and miconazole nitrate are highly effective at countering athlete’s foot. So, whenever you choose the best cream for athlete’s foot, make sure to check these ingredients in the formula, and avoid steroids at all costs for they can worsen fungal infections. Natural ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and neem oil are also effective at relieving symptoms of athlete’s foot. If you are someone who likes naturally and scientifically-formulated athlete’s foot cream, check for these ingredients.
How To Use An Athlete’s Foot Cream?
Using a cream for athlete’s foot is really simple. Follow these steps daily for healthy and soft skin:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water
- Dry your feet completely before applying the foot cream
- Apply the cream on the affected area
- Wash hands after use
- Always wear well-ventilated shoes
- Change your socks daily
- Use the cream as directed up to 4 weeks
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Athlete’s Foot Creams & Application Tips
Athlete’s foot can be treated painlessly with certain creams that are infused with potent ingredients. Check out the infographic below to learn about the key ingredients present in the creams and know their benefits. Also, learn how to apply the creams the right way for quick results.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Athletes’ feet is a highly contagious and painful skin condition caused by a fungus that grows on moist nooks of the feet. People with sweaty feet are most prone to this condition. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your feet clean and dry by using the right foot care products. Using foot creams can keep your feet odor-free and the best athlete’s foot cream reduces fungal growth and helps you fight this condition effectively. The Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Foot Cream offers relief from several skin infections, the Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm soothes the affected skin and eliminates odor, and the Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Cream offers a holistic approach with a lightweight formula. These foot creams are non-greasy, gentle, and can be quickly absorbed into the skin. However, some products may have an overpowering fragrance and may not treat nail fungus. Carefully go through the product reviews to choose a good foot care cream that meets your needs.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar has a passion for reviewing skincare products. She has checked through numerous athlete’s foot creams online to shortlist the best available options. She based her choices on user reviews and product formulations. While reviewing each cream on the shortlist, she has included the pros and cons of the product and discussed in detail why and how the cream works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an athlete’s foot cream to work?
It typically takes 4 to 7 days for an athlete’s foot cream to work. If the infection is severe, it might take longer than the usual period.
Is an athlete’s foot cream good for ringworm?
Athlete’s foot and ringworm both are results of fungal infections. A cream that suits an athlete’s foot cream is good for ringworm as the infection is the same but in different body places. However, not all creams formulated for athlete’s feet are well-suited for ringworm.
What is the strongest treatment for an athlete’s foot?
Antifungal creams and sprays are the strongest treatment for an athlete’s foot.
Can you get rid of the athlete’s foot permanently?
No, an athlete’s foot cannot be removed permanently as the infection often recurs. However, it can be treated with antifungal medications.
How long does it take for an athlete’s foot to go away?
An athlete’s foot can clear in 2-4 weeks, but severe infections may take longer.
Does hydrogen peroxide cure an athlete’s foot?
Yes. Hydrogen peroxide is a good home remedy for an athlete’s foot. It helps eliminate foot fungus and germs that may cause an infection.
Does baking soda cure an athlete’s foot?
Yes. Baking soda can help treat an athlete’s foot because it has antifungal properties that help treat the infection.
Should I wear socks to bed with the athlete’s foot?
Yes, you should wear clean, dry socks to bed with the athlete’s foot to prevent fungus transmission.
Read full bio of Dr. Mathew M. John
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Swathi E
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